Category Archives: Family Fun

cirque du soleil crystal

Cirque du Soleil Crystal

cirque du soleil crystal
CRYSTAL invites you to suspend reality and glide into a world that springs to a colorful life with astounding visual projections and an original score that seamlessly blends popular music with the signature sound of Cirque du Soleil The Providence, RI show runs through Sunday, July 10, 2022 at the Dunkin Donuts Center. You can get your tickets here.
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A breakthrough ice experience CRYSTAL is Cirque du Soleil’s 42nd creation and explores the artistic possibilities of ice for the first time. This unique production pushes boundaries of performance by combining stunning skating and acrobatic feats that defy the imagination. Watch as world-class ice skaters and acrobats take their new frozen playground with speed and fluidity as they challenge the laws of gravity with never-before-seen acrobatics.
Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL features an international cast composed of figure, extreme and freestyle ice skaters, acrobats, musicians and a comic character. Eighteen different nationalities are represented in the cast.
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Our family had the opportunity to experience Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL on opening night, and it was fantastic. I’ll be honest, I am not a figure skating fan. It’s just not my thing. But I do love Cirque du Soleil and the magic they create in every show, so I knew I’d totally dig this performance. Avery was all in, and excited.  Dave wasn’t so sure, but he went along for the ride. And what a ride it was!
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We all agreed that the hockey/pinball scene was our favorite. Irish-style music, plus hockey, plus death-defying stunts?  Yup, that part of the show seemed made for us.  We also loved the costumes, especially our budding costume designer, Avery. The Cirque style is totally her aesthetic. Perhaps she’ll find a job creating for Cirque in the future. We also really loved that much of the music was performed by live musicians who became part of the show. The fiddle player was our favorite, of course.
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With this new creation Cirque du Soleil explored the essence of skating, bringing its signature style of acrobatics into unchartered territory– a sheet of ice – and blurring the boundaries between gliding sports and circus arts. In CRYSTAL, acrobats and skaters perform acrobatics on the ice and in the air, seamlessly combining multiple disciplines together. Synchronized skating, freestyle figures, and extreme skating are featured alongside circus disciplines such as swinging trapeze, aerial straps, and hand to hand. Figure skaters learned how to be pushers on Chinese poles, while circus artists learned how to skate, and extreme skaters learned figure skating moves.
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Tips for the show:
  • Dress warm. Even though it’s a million degrees outside, remember this is an ice show and it gets chilly in the arena. Avery was mad that I made her wear jeans, but was happy when we arrived and she realized how cold it was inside.
  • Don’t miss the pre-show performance – and if you’re lucky enough to have seats in the first row, you may get to enjoy some audience participation.
  • We recommend seats with a straight-on view of the ice. There are no bad seats for this show, but there are some elements of the projection that may be missed if you sit along the sides.
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Be sure to pick up tickets for your family to see this unique experience while it’s in town for a limited run.

(Friends in Albany, you can see the show Aug 4-7, 2022 at the MVP Arena)

Follow #CRYSTAL and #cirquedusoleil on social mediaFacebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Snapchat |TikTok
SPONSORED: Our family received tickets to the show in exchange for this review. All opinions are our own.

Imagine Van Gogh – Boston Ticket Giveaway

Sponsored Content – Our family received a family 4-pack of tickets in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.

VanGogh_2020_LaurenceLabat-6742_HR Imagine Van Gogh – Boston Ticket Giveaway

This Christmas is going to be filled with horses, American Girl Dolls, kawaii, and ART! Avery has been drawing and painting non-stop this year, and I am loving it! She’s taken an interest in art history and loves learning about artists both past and present. One of the gifts I’m most looking forward to giving her this year is a ticket to see Imagine Van Gogh.

Imagine Van Gogh is the ORIGINAL immersive exhibition in Image Totale © featuring more than 200 of the Dutch artist’s paintings. It will be on exhibit at the SoWa Power Station in Boston’s popular SoWa Art + Design District.

Annabelle Mauger and Julien Baron are the Artistic Directors behind the creation of the Imagine Van Gogh. They are known for their work at Cathédrale d’Images in Les Baux-de-Provence, France.

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Imagine Van Gogh “brings Van Gogh’s canvases to life in a vivid, spectacular way: the audience will truly enter the artist’s world of dreams; visitors are literally transported on a journey to the heart of the artist’s work.”

I can’t wait for Avery to experience this immersive exhibit.

Tickets start at $33.99 (plus service charges and fees) and are on sale now. For more information, please visit www.imagine-vangogh.com

VanGogh_2020_LaurenceLabat-6056_HR Imagine Van Gogh - Boston Ticket Giveaway

But wait, there’s more!!  I am excited to offer you, dear reader, a chance to WIN a Family 4-Pack of tickets to see Imagine Van Gogh. Winner will receive a code to select ANY available time to attend the exhibition during our entire run (December 21, 2021 – February 20, 2022) All you have to do is leave a comment on this post!  One winner will be selected on December 28 at 9PM EST.

Teamworks Warwick – February Vacation Camp

February Vacation Camp – Rhode Islandteamworks februaryAre you looking for a fun President’s week vacation camp for your kids?  Well look no further! Avery’s favorite camp, Teamworks in Warwick, is hosting their February Vacation Program the week of February 19th-23rd. This program is for children ages 4 to 14.  There are full day and half day options, as well as extended day for those who need it. Campers can choose from Multi-Sport, Traditional, or Skateboarding (ages 6-14)  Lunch and snacks are available for purchase.
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For more details about the programs, and to register CLICK HERE!

Pricing/Hours:
Half Day (8:30am-11:30am): $25/day or $95/week
Full Day (8:30am-3:30pm): $45/day or $165/week
add extended day until 5pm for $10/day or $25/week
add extended day until 6pm for $20/day or $35/week
Teamworks camps are truly fantastic, and the price cannot be beat! The staff is knowledgeable, responsible, and caring and the campers have so much fun! Sign your kids up today for what Avery calls the BEST WEEK EVER!

5 Reasons To Get Your Preschooler Involved in Sports

*Disclosure – Avery was given a Teamworks Summer Camp experience in exchange for this blog post about Preschool Sports in Rhode Island All opinions are our own. We truly love the programs Teamworks offers as well as their amazing summer camps! *5 Reasons To Get Your Preschooler Involved in sports

As you know, Avery is a super busy kid. We’ve had her involved in sports and other activities since she could walk. We wanted to get her into these classes for the social aspect and to nurture a love of sports and physical activity.

We found a great dance class with an amazing teacher (who she still dances with 5 years later) a fantastic art class, and a truly awesome sports class that I want to talk about today!teamworks movin shakinTeamworks Warwick has some wonderful class offerings for preschoolers.  The first class we got Avery involved in was Movin’ and Shakin’ This class is for ages 18 months to 2.5 years.teamworks-20

The activities change every week and include running, throwing, catching, obstacle courses, parachute games, and more! These activities really help kids  develop fine and gross motor skills, learn to follow directions and play cooperatively with other kids. The level of parent participation is entirely up to you and your child!  If your child wants you to participate with them that’s 100% fine, it’s also fine if your child is content to be off without you and then you can sit and enjoy some “free time” with the other parents!teamworks-10

 

So, why should you sign your Preschooler up for sports? Here are 5 reasons we think you should!

5 Reasons To Get Your Preschooler Involved in Sports

1: Builds Self Esteem & Self Confidence: There are a number of studies out there that have proven the effect sports has one self esteem, even for little kids. They build confidence by seeing that they CAN do things by themselves. It’s awesome to see how proud the kids are when they do something they didn’t know they were capable of, and the smiles when they see their friends and coaches cheering for them!
teamworks-172: Learn Valuable Social Skills: Sports are a great way for kids to learn about teamwork, taking turns, following directions, and sportsmanship! Not only do the learn to interact with other kids their age, but they learn to interact with adult coaches and teachers as well.  These are skills that will help them as the get older and start school.

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3: Develop Motor Skills: Sports help preschoolers build strength, and develop balance, and coordination! Preschool sports classes also help kids master fundamental skills like running, jumping, catching, throwing, hopping, and skipping. teamworks-22
4: Health & Fitness: Obviously sports are good for your child’s health. Your kids get out of the house, and engage in activities that strengthen their bodies, and help keep them healthy!  Making physical activity a priority at a young age, makes it more likely that your child will continue to prioritize physical fitness as they grow up. teamworks-14
5: Friendship & Fun: Participating in sports enrichment classes gives your preschooler the opportunity to meet new kids their age and make new friends! (Parents, you can make some new friends too!) They also have a chance to learn some basic sports skills without the pressure that sometimes comes as they get older.  teamworks-6

I truly cannot say enough about the amazing programs Teamworks Warwick has to offer. We made so many friends through their classes, and Avery developed so many skills that have helped her not only as an athlete and teammate, but as a friend and student as well.

If you’re looking for a fun, AFFORDABLE preschool sports in Rhode Island to get your little one moving, and give you a little time to hang out and chat with other parents, I HIGHLY recommend Teamworks Youth Programs!

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For more information and to register for Teamworks Warwick Youth programs click HERE and let them know that Avery and I sent you!

5 Reasons To Get Your Preschooler Involved In Sports from sweetlilyou.com

preschool sports in rhode island

King Richard’s Faire in a Few Photos

*Disclosure* Our family received tickets to the Faire to facilitate our blog posts. All opinions are our own!*

 

King Richard’s Faire – 2017

We visited King Richards Faire today (FINALLY!!)  and had a great time. I wish I’d taken more photos, but we were so busy riding unicorns,  playing with baby dragons, learning about big cats, eating yummy food, and watching hilarious shows that I hardly took out my camera!

You still have one day left to visit the Faire, so I’d suggest you get your corsets tightened and armor polished, and head there tomorrow!!

Pet Dragon puppet

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Jack the whipper show

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King Richard's Faire 2018

Until next year, King Richard!

You can learn more about the Faire in our previous blog post HERE

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King Richard’s Faire, New England’s largest and longest-running Renaissance Faire. Tucked away on 80 acres of enchanted forest off Rt. 58 in Carver, Mass., King Richard’s Faire offers guests a full day of live, interactive entertainment for all ages. Guests will enjoy daring knights jousting on horseback and eight stages filled with song and dance, stunts and storytelling. Every Saturday afternoon, the King’s Stage offers themed contests and events to add variety to the festival-like entertainment lineup (see kingrichardsfaire.net for details).

Guests can mingle with the King and his royal court, noble and not-so-noble subjects and skilled performers. When as famished as a mud beggar, enjoy the Faire’s delicious spit-roasted turkey legs, buttery ears of corn, boules filled with chowder and stew, ringlets of fries, and quench thirst with champagne, wine and brew. Shoppers can stroll through the 16th century village filled with the wares of more than 100 unique and talented artisans, including New England artists. At every turn, guests will encounter fantasy and wonder through minstrels, musicians, acrobats, stilt walkers, giant puppets, wenches, and more. 

  • Adult tickets:  $32.00
  • Children’s tickets (4-11 years of age):  $16.00
  • Children 3 years of age and under are FREE

You’ll find the Faire at 235 Main Street (Rt. 58) Carver, Mass. 02330 For more information, visit King Richard’s Faire on FACEBOOK   and don’t forget to check out the WEBSITE!

CIRQUE ÉLOIZE SALOON – World Premiere at Foxwoods Resort Casino

Disclosure: I received tickets to attend CIRQUE ÉLOIZE SALOON, as well as a post-performance reception. All opinions are my own.

CIRQUE ÉLOIZE SALOON

Eloize_Saloon_Visual_Vertical_Logo_Signature_Tagline_En_24x36_300dpiSo, after this weekend, I’m pretty sure Avery will be joining the circus.13939587_10153847453936452_7034187526968997305_nNo, really! Our family attended the opening night performance of Cirque Éloize Saloon, at Foxwoods Resort Casino’s Fox Theater. From the opening act, through to the final bow, Avery sat, speechless, with a look of wonder and awe in her eyes.  And Dave and I were equally amazed!  13902833_10153847473396452_2165670487271145674_n

MASHANTUCKET, CT (July 29, 2016) – Cirque Éloize, a leading worldwide contemporary circus troupe, is thrilled to unveil their latest creation, Cirque Éloize Saloon, at Foxwoods Resort Casino’s Fox Theater next month. This captivating and energetic show transports audiences to the height of the Wild Wild West era, telling the story of a piano tuner’s astonishing journey through a world filled with gold diggers, rail workers, chorus girls and cowboys. Mysterious and intriguing characters will light up the stage to explosive live music, resulting in a series of unexpected situations packed with rhythmic acrobatic prowess and original choreography. The series begins Friday, August 12 and runs through Sunday, August 21 for a total of 12 remarkable performances at a variety of family-family show times

“After an immensely successful 2015 Foxwoods residency of Cirque Éloize iD, we are thrilled to welcome the talented Cirque Éloize troupe back to Foxwoods, where our guests will be the first in the world to see this iconic organization’s latest show, Cirque Éloize Saloon,” said Monique Sebastian, Vice President of Entertainment, Foxwoods Resort Casino. “We’re bringing dazzling acts to southeastern Connecticut all summer long, and with their masterful combination of music and acrobatic comedy, Cirque Éloize Saloon is sure to wow our guests from start to finish.”

13935151_10153847927091452_5857533250557009263_nDave and I saw Cirque Éloize iD last year, and were blown away. Saloon was equally captivating, but totally different. This performance featured fantastic songs from trio The Vultures, and different types of circus acts.

The first act, featuring a Chinese Pole performance, literally took my breath away. Then there was an aerial act on the chandelier, hand-to-hand (another of Avery’s favorites), juggling, and a Korean Plank act that had me literally on the edge of my seat! Act after act continued to amaze us all.

After watching Shena Tschofen’s amazing Cyr Wheel act, Avery turned to me and said “I’m gonna practice that when we get home!”  (I didn’t have the heart to explain that her hula hoop isn’t quite the same.) Avery was also spellbound by Justine Methé Crozat’s (pictured above) performance throughout the show! I love that she was able to see two beautiful, strong and talented female performers, show what women are capable of!

She’s been climbing on and leaping off furniture, swinging from fixtures and working on contortion acts ever since. I may have even looked into classes at our local aerial gym (kid’s classes start at age 6, so she’s out of luck for a couple years) The girl is a born performer, so I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if she pursues the cirque life!

Check out this video, and then head to  foxwoods.com to get your tickets!

After the show, we had the honor of attending a reception with the cast, and the Foxwoods Resort Casino CEO and Executive team. It was definitely a highlight of our summer to meet the talented, and gracious cast members!  And, there were Cake By Franck cupcakes…

13892173_10153847976761452_2188170866302621098_nI cannot say enough about how wonderful this show is! You have got to get to Foxwoods Resort Casino to see it!

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Tickets to Cirque Éloize Saloon begin at $35 and are available for purchase now at www.foxwoods.com, by calling the Foxwoods’ Box Office at 800-200-2882 or in-person by visiting the box office.

Kids Week at Foxwoods Resort Casino

Disclosure-Our family was invited to attend this special event. We were provided with tickets, dining gift cards and credits to the arcade. All opinions are our own.

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Looking for something fun and different to do with the kids this week?  Well, you need to check out Kids Week at Foxwoods Resort Casino!

Avery, Dave and I headed to Foxwoods on Tuesday for some family fun, including a showing of Clifford The Big Red Dog Live! at the Fox Theater (one of our favorite places to see a show!)

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I’m getting ahead of myself here…let me start at the beginning.

When we first arrived, we checked in and headed to the Tree House Arcade! Before we even got to the entrance, Avery spotted a crane machine, with stuffed animals, that was play til you win! How cool is that?

IMG_20160419_123712The arcade has activities and games for all ages. Avery really loved that the had an air hockey table that was her size! She’s pretty serious about her air hockey, so this was MAJOR!

IMG_20160419_125304IMG_20160419_12562320160419_123302After playing a whole bunch of games, we decided to check out the Kiddie Game Lounge in the Premier Ballroom. IMG_20160419_134321Game Lounge Includes:

  • Warrior Challenge
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Mini Golf
  • X Box
  • Wii
  • Playstation 4
  • Checkers
  • Connect Four
  • Chutes & Ladders
  • Face Painting (April 18th & 20th)
  • Balloon Characters (April 21st)

There was also Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Hot Dogs and Beverages available for purchase!

Admission is FREE and the Game Lounge is open from 12 -5pm, with the last admittance at 4:00 p.m.

Then it was time for the show!  Avery was totally into it, and loved Clifford, and the other dogs! Her favorite part?  Getting a VIP Meet & Greet with the Big Red Dog himself!20160419_154034 After our special celebrity encounter, we were starving. What better place for a family dinner than California Pizza Kitchen!?  Pizza satisfies even the pickiest eater, and Avery was thrilled! IMG_20160419_170405

Of course, not trip to Foxwoods is complete without a visit to Cake By Franck! We were treated to a special Clifford Cupcake, which Avery devoured before I could take a proper photo! Dave and I stocked up on cookies and brownies! IMG_20160419_170607Kids Week runs through April 21st and features everything mentioned above, as well as free movies for the kids at Fox Theater, dining specials and special events at the Tanger Outlets!! You do not want to miss this fun event! Go now!!!